Meet Connor

Meet Connor

Connor, recipient of one of the inaugural Participant of The Year Awards, did not have an easy time at school. Diagnosed with both Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at a young age, he struggled to find his rhythm and place in the system. Often in trouble for various infractions, school was a difficult place and not somewhere he enjoyed.

“I would get into trouble for talking, back chat, fighting and other things too. As a result, I had a pretty low opinion of myself”.

Connor’s parents tried to help their son, enrolling him in numerous clubs and activities, but none of them caught Connor’s imagination.

“I tried boxing, football, swimming, but nothing helped, so I stopped them as soon as I could”

At the beginning of year nine, Connor’s dad came to him with a new idea. He wanted to enrol him in a new programme called School of Hard Knocks (SOHK). Connor was not keen but agreed. Things did not go well at first.

“I really hated it in the beginning. I was so far out of my comfort zone and I didn’t speak to anyone. I wanted to stop”

But something in Connor kept him returning. Despite a less than auspicious start, it quickly became apparent that SOHK was where Connor would find what had been previously been missing. Through dedication, perseverance and courage, along with the help and guidance of the coaches, Connor saw huge changes in himself.

“I now LOVE it and come every week without fail. I had an amazing end to year nine and year ten carried on the same way. I didn’t receive a single negative behaviour point where previously I had received more than fifty”.

Asked what he thought had made the difference Connor said

“The staff. I can have a laugh with them, and they are really relaxed. They encouraged me every step of the way”.

The changes in Connor have been astounding and show the very best that SOHK can do. Connor himself has seen how he has grown and changed.

“I feel much better about myself, more confident. On the pitch I have been called ‘the back bone of the team’. I am more focused and feel I have something very positive in my life”.

When Connor heard that he was to receive an award for his exceptional efforts and progress, he was surprised to say the least.

“I was so shocked to receive the award, I didn’t feel I deserved it and still struggle to understand why I was chosen. I can see that I have shown dedication and commitment to the programme and will take everything that I have learned forward to college. It will help me to achieve my goal of working with animals”.

Latest

I’m writing to you today because we urgently need your help.The lockdown, caused by the Coronavirus, has hit School of Hard Knocks pretty hard and has placed real strain on our resources and finances. I’m not saying we’ve been knocked down; let’s call it a pretty hefty blow! But if there is ever a time we have to practice what we preach, it is now. Why? Because I honestly believe that the need for our work in the UK will soon be greater, by some distance, than at any other time in our existence.

This week is Nutrition and Hydration Week, so we thought we’d share some of work we do around nutrition in schools. Nutrition is a huge part of the personal development sessions we deliver within schools. Getting your nutrition right not only helps with physical health but also significantly contributes to one’s mental health, better preparing young people to succeed in school. We deliver a three-week block around this important topic in our Schools Programme.

Related

Aggie joined School of Hard Knocks’ adult course at the end of March this year and on the surface has always been confident. People who spoke to her often described her as strong, self-assured and extroverted. However how other people perceived her, was not how she saw herself. In actual fact, back in March, Aggie would have described herself as shy and self-doubting, unsure of the trajectory she wanted her life and career to take.

Become a Friend of SOHK and help change lives for the better. We empower vulnerable adults and children so they can create a positive future, but we need your support. Please donate just £3 per month and help us change the game.